Optimizing long-term care by administration of influenza vaccine to parents of NICU patients.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team has traditionally invested itself in maintaining the health of its patients upon discharge from high-acuity care. Historically, this has included the administration of vaccinations to the patients and more recently, Palivizumab--a monoclonal antibody directed against respiratory synctial virus (RSV). With increasing awareness of the ill-effects associated with influenza virus and recommendations those in close contact with high-risk infants receive the vaccine, the NICU may be an ideal arena to capture parents of high-risk infants for vaccination. This would potentially decrease exposure of the neonatal patient group to influenza virus and may decrease morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. NICUs should work in concert with their associated Departments of Obstetrics to immunize pregnant mothers when appropriate, educate parents regarding influenza and its potential effects in infants and offer influenza vaccine in-season to parents as part of comprehensive care.